That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson jailed for raping two women

A US judge has sentenced That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women two decades ago. 

Key points:Masterson will be eligible for parole after serving 25-and-a-half yearsOne of his victims called him "pathetic, disturbed and completely violent"The jury could not reach a verdict on a third count of rape

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo handed down the sentence to 47-year-old Masterson after hearing statements from the women about the trauma they experienced.

The actor, who has been in custody since May, sat in court wearing a suit and watched the women without visible reaction as they spoke.

"When you raped me, you stole from me," said one woman, who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003.

"That's what rape is, a theft of the spirit.

"You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent.

"The world is better off with you in prison."

The other woman Masterson was found guilty of raping said he "has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused". 

She told the judge, "I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I'm so upset. I wish I'd reported him sooner to the police."

The second woman was supported by former Scientologist and vocal critic of the organisation, King of Queens actor Leah Remini. 

Remini stood with her arms around the victim as she spoke about how her Scientologist mother disowned her. 

"I didn't choose to be born in Scientology just like I didn't choose to be raped," she said.

After an initial jury failed to reach verdicts on three counts of rape in December and a mistrial was declared, prosecutors retried Masterson on all three counts earlier this year.

Masterson and his wife Bijou Phillips arrive for an earlier hearing.(AP: Chris Pizzello)

This time, a jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts on May 31 after seven days of deliberations. 

Masterson waived his right to speak before he was sentenced and had no visible reaction after the judge's decision, nor did the many family members sitting beside him. His wife, actor Bijou Phillips, was tearful earlier in the hearing.

Attacks at height of sitcom fame

Both attacks took place in Masterson's Hollywood-area home in 2003, when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom That '70s Show.

The jury could not reach a verdict on a third allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend. They had voted 8-4 in favour of conviction.

Danny Masterson played Steven Hyde on the popular sitcom.(IMDB: The Carsey-Werner Company)

The judge sentenced the actor after rejecting a defence motion for a new trial that was argued earlier on Thursday. 

The sentence was the maximum allowed by law. It means Masterson will be eligible for parole after serving 25-and-a-half years, but can be held in prison for life.

"Mr Masterson, I know that you're sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimised by a justice system that has failed you," Justice Olmedo told Masterson before handing down the sentence. 

"But Mr Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences."

AP